HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Philosophy
The International School of Kenya’s High School program is designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare students for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Through a broad range of academic pathways and experiences, students are encouraged to pursue their interests, deepen their understanding, and develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for life beyond ISK.
Program Overview
The High School program balances academic rigor with personalized learning, supporting students as they grow into independent thinkers, effective communicators, collaborative problem-solvers, and engaged global citizens. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, explore new perspectives, and apply their learning in meaningful ways within and beyond the classroom.
Grounded in ISK’s Mission, Vision, and Educational Aims, the High School experience empowers students to build pathways aligned with their strengths, aspirations, and future goals. Through foundational courses, advanced studies, interdisciplinary opportunities, service learning, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students develop both the confidence and capability to thrive in higher education and contribute positively to their communities.
ISK Subject Philosophies and Program Objectives
At the International School of Kenya (ISK), all programs are guided by a clear educational philosophy that places the child at the center of learning. We believe that children learn best in an environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging. The student experience is designed to support the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of every learner while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
The following sections outline ISK’s schoolwide subject philosophies and program objectives. These guide the learning in each subject area, highlighting how each program supports student growth, academic achievement, and preparation for continued success beyond high school.
Mathematics
Standards: Common Core State Standards in Mathematics
Philosophy
ISK inspires Math students to engage in authentic tasks where they collaborate and persevere to reason, make sense of, and apply mathematical concepts to meaningful contexts.
Beliefs
Math learning at ISK is embedded in ‘thinking classrooms’ in which students take the lead role in the thinking, questioning, and use of Mathematics.
Independent learners in Mathematics:
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
· Reason abstractly and quantitatively and appreciate the beauty of Mathematics. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
· Model with mathematics.
· Use appropriate tools strategically. Attend to precision.
· Look for and make use of structure.
· Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Derived from the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practices (Common Core State Standards in Mathematics)
English Language Arts
Standards: Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts
Philosophy
At ISK, we believe effective communicators must actively engage in spoken and written language to develop as informed, critical, and creative thinkers. We value diverse perspectives and strive to amplify the voices of our community. We recognize language as a powerful tool for change
Beliefs
Independent learners in English Language Arts:
· Communicate effectively in both spoken and written language for varied tasks and purposes, with diverse audiences;
· Comprehend and evaluate increasingly complex texts;
· Critically assess and respond to different forms of media, recognizing different perspectives and biases;
· Engage in collaborative cross-cultural discussions, refining thinking and developing problemsolving strategies
Develop inquiry-based research skills.
Social Sciences
Standards: The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards
Philosophy
Social Studies at ISK empowers students to engage critically (and compassionately) with geographical, economic, social, political, and environmental issues, past and present. Our program looks to support the development of active and engaged students who strive toward a sustainable world.
Beliefs
The ISK approach to social studies is designed so that all students develop the skills and dispositions of the ISK Active Learner Roles.
Independent learners in Social Studies/ Sciences : Are Collaborators who:
o Analyze problems by considering multiple perspectives and the work of others;
o Act on civic issues and evaluate options for action in collaboration with others; Are Communicators who:
o Critique conclusions and construct arguments;
o Foster civic engagement;
· Are Thinkers who:
o Develop questions;
o Apply disciplinary concepts and tools;
o Evaluate sources and use evidence;
· Are Change-makers who:
o Take informed action
· Are Self-managers who:
o Plan inquiries.
Science
Standards: Next Generation Science Standards
Philosophy
Science is the collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to solving problems and understanding the world around us. It is best taught through an appreciation of natural phenomena, cultivated through experiences rooted in curiosity and wonderment.
Beliefs
Independent learners in Science:
· Carr y out investigations and generate questions based on observations
· Construct explanations using modeling and reasoned evidence Analyze and interpret data, evaluate information, and communicate effectively
World Languages
Standards: ACTFL World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages
Philosophy
Acquiring a language provides valuable educational, socio-emotional, and cultural experiences for students at ISK. The World Languages Department provides a program where students develop their communicative competence and proficiency, multicultural awareness, and a lasting curiosity for language learning.
Beliefs
We believe students learn languages best when they are provided a safe environment where risk-taking is encouraged and valued to develop grit and perseverance while learning.
Independent learners of languages:
· Are agents of their learning;
· Use the target language in a variety of authentic situations; Think about and understand language concepts;
· Build cultural and social connections to the target language’s culture(s) and their own; Are engaged and motivated: Minds-on and hands-on.
Creative Arts
Standards: National Core Arts Standards (Creative Arts)
Philosophy
The Creative Arts Department at ISK cultivates a knowledge and understanding for the arts by nurturing creativity, fostering collaboration, encouraging self-expression, and promoting the belief that everyone has their own unique way of expressing themselves. Through exposure to diverse styles, artists, media, and techniques, the department empowers students to take ownership of their creative process and embrace their artistic agency.
Beliefs
Independent learners in the Creative Arts:
· Develop and foster their passions, abilities, and technical skills;
· Develop creative and social skills through individual and group activities; Learn with and from peers, teachers, and community members
· Critique and articulate artistic ideas;
· Explore the changing world and develop social awareness and global-mindedness; Demonstrate, perform, and exhibit their accomplishments through the arts.
Physical Education and Health (PHE)
Standards: SHAPE for Physical Education and Health
Philosophy
The ISK Physical and Health Education program empowers students to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and dispositions needed to live healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. Through a sequential K to 12 curriculum, students build physical and health literacy through meaningful movement, wellness, decision-making, and relationship-based learning. Students are supported to take responsibility for their choices, respect themselves and others, and engage in inclusive, relevant, and meaningful learning.
Physical and Health Education are integrated to help students understand the connection between movement, wellness, identity, relationships, decision-making, and community health.
Beliefs
Independent learners in Physical and Health Education:
Develop physical literacy through diverse, inclusive, and meaningful movement experiences.
· Understand movement as essential to lifelong health, well-being, enjoyment, confidence, and self-expression.
· Grow when they set goals, reflect on progress, respond to feedback, and take ownership of their choices.
Build personal responsibility, resilience, and respect for self and others.
· Develop communication, collaboration, empathy, leadership, and responsible social behavior through movement and health education.
Use health literacy to make informed decisions, access reliable information, advocate for wellbeing, and contribute positively to their communities.
Design
Philosophy
The ISK Design program offers opportunities for students to solve authentic problems using an iterative design process. Our philosophy is cultivating a culture of creativity, innovation, and self-expression, preparing students for future design challenges and opportunities.
Beliefs
We believe students learn best when: They are given authentic, meaningful tasks that have a tangible impact.
· They feel safe to take risks and explore new ideas.
· They are encouraged to communicate their unique perspectives and ideas through their design work, empowering self-expression.
· They are exposed to relevant technologies, methodologies, and design thinking processes to inspire innovation.
SEL and Child Safety
Philosophy
Through SEL and safeguarding learning, students will develop a greater understanding of themselves, enhance their ability to care for and protect themselves by developing resiliency and making healthy choices, demonstrate empathy toward others, build healthy relationships, act with integrity, and advocate for their well-being and safety.
Beliefs
We believe that students learn SEL & Safeguarding best when: They feel safe and secure in their learning environment
· A culture of trust exists within the learning environment
· They understand the purpose and value of their learning Safe and trusted adults are known and available to students
· They feel heard and understood
Life-Centered Education
Philosophy
At ISK, we believe all students thrive when they feel safe, known, valued, and appropriately challenged. The Life Centered Education (LCE) advances ISK’s mission by providing individualized, purpose-driven learning grounded in each student’s IEP. These goals guide instruction, shape programming, and ensure students are consistently working toward meaningful growth across academic, social, and personal domains.
LCE is a shared responsibility. Students are supported in the least restrictive environment, with intentional access to mainstream classrooms, school activities, and community experiences. Classroom and subject teachers collaborate closely with the LCE team to implement strategies, adapt instruction, and monitor progress. Through this inclusive and coordinated approach, students build transferable skills, experience a strong sense of belonging, and are prepared for successful transitions beyond ISK.
Beliefs
· We believe our students can and want to learn to their highest individual potential; We believe our students learn in different ways;
· We believe our students learn best when they are interested in and enjoy the learning experience;
· We believe that embracing and supporting a diverse community of learners enriches the school community and positively impacts the future for all students; We believe our community is stronger when siblings are together.
High School Course Guide
The ISK High School Course Guide provides comprehensive information about graduation requirements, course offerings, academic pathways, prerequisites, and program options designed to support diverse interests and future aspirations. Students and families are encouraged to review the guide carefully when planning an individualized academic journey through High School.
This guide includes detailed descriptions of courses across all subject areas, International Baccalaureate (IB) options, student support services, graduation requirements, and elective opportunities to help students make informed choices aligned with their goals.
